FootballerSouth KoreanDefenderK League Player

Kim Dong-chul (footballer)

Kim Dong-chul is a former South Korean footballer and defender who played for clubs like Jeonnam Dragons and Seoul E-Land FC, also captaining the South Korea U-17 team.

1. Overview

Kim Dong-chul is a former South Korean footballer primarily known for his role as a defender, specifically as a center-back. His professional career began with Jeonnam Dragons after he was selected in the 2012 K League Draft. Over the course of his career, he played for several prominent clubs, including Seoul E-Land FC, where he notably served as captain, and Asan Mugunghwa FC during his period of mandatory military service. He also held the captaincy for the South Korea U-17 national team and led them in the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

2. Basic Information

Kim Dong-chul (김동철Kim Dong-chulKorean) (金東徹Kim Dong-chul (Hanja)Korean) was born on October 1, 1990, in South Korea. He holds South Korean nationality and primarily played as a defender, specializing in the center-back position.

3. Football Career

Kim Dong-chul's football career encompasses his professional club tenures in South Korea, a period dedicated to mandatory military service, and his significant contributions to the national youth team.

3.1. Early Career

Kim Dong-chul initiated his professional football career in 2012. He was notably drafted by Jeonnam Dragons as the third-round pick in the K League Draft of that year. His official professional debut occurred on May 28, 2012, when he participated in a league match against Busan IPark.

3.2. Professional Club Activities

Following his time with Jeonnam Dragons, Kim Dong-chul made a transfer to Seoul E-Land FC in 2016. Immediately upon his arrival at the club, he was entrusted with the role of team captain, highlighting his leadership qualities and influence within the squad. After completing his mandatory military service, he rejoined Seoul E-Land FC.

3.3. Military Service

To fulfill his mandatory military obligations, Kim Dong-chul enlisted with Asan Mugunghwa FC for the 2017 season. Asan Mugunghwa FC is a unique football club in South Korea that provides a platform for professional footballers to continue playing while serving their military duty under the Korea National Police Agency. He was officially discharged from his military service on October 10, 2018, after which he returned to his former club, Seoul E-Land FC.

3.4. National Team Career

Kim Dong-chul has represented South Korea at the youth level, participating in a major international football tournament.

3.4.1. Youth National Teams

Kim Dong-chul was a prominent figure in the South Korea U-17 national team, where he served as the team's captain. In this leadership role, he led the squad during the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup, an international competition for players under the age of 17, which was hosted in South Korea.